On Monday, after a public hearing, city council unanimously endorsed the Maillardville Neighbourhood Plan, a blueprint designed to bring more French-Canadian flair to the historically francophone community as well as add 6,000 more residents over the next 20 years.

Jill Cook, executive director of the Coquitlam Heritage Society, said the plan has been a long time coming and many locals have taken part in shaping it. She expects the visioning document will spur economic development in the "unique and special" district of Coquitlam, where her organization is based.

Among the plan highlights are: more multi-family housing; more green spaces (including a new Booth Farm park); heritage designation policies; and guidelines to have ground-floor shops adjacent to plazas and squares.

As well, Brunette Avenue will turn into a prominent main street as it is dressed up as a processional route from Lougheed Highway to Laval Square.

Johanne Dumas, executive director of Société francophone de Maillardville/Festival du Bois, said she hopes the revitalization effort won't fall off the city's radar. She wants the 105-year-old neighbourhood to be highlighted during the city's 125th birthday in 2016.

jwarren@tricitynews.com

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